Though David Samuel Ko studied PR & advertising, he’s always had an eye for design. In 2018, he took the (official) leap towards pursuing design as a career, launching Maison Ko is a full-service interior design firm based in Los Angeles, CA. Maison Ko specializes in both residential and commercial projects, and often pulls inspiration from the fashion world—reflecting David’s own personal style. The firm boasts clients like Hilary Duff and Gigi C, and is just getting started. David tells us more.  

MY LIGHT-BULB MOMENT:
When my two very first clients reached out to me asking if I could help them with their homes. This is the moment when I actually considered starting my own business as opposed to finding another design firm to work for. I thought “Well, if two people trust me to help create their space, then who’s to say more won’t feel the same?”

I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I have coffee or matcha. What I opt for ultimately depends on my mood and how tired I am.

SUCCESS IS:
Being happy with where you are in the here and now. Living in the moment and being content with what your life looks like today as opposed to worrying about the future. 

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
Some form of lip treatment and a measuring tape.

MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
Easy. Bottega Veneta Home.

THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN LOS ANGELES:
Paris. There’s something about that city that makes me fall in love with it more and more every single time I visit.

WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
Time willing, I’ll take a trip. Could be abroad or just somewhere local. It helps to take me out of my normal day-to-day life and I’m usually more aware of my surroundings and inspiration is easier to come by. If not, I’ll try to unplug for a bit to avoid the design doom scroll that sometimes feels overwhelming and noisy. I’ll occupy that time by going outside, meeting with friends, working out, or just doing mindless activities.

ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Stop comparing yourself to others. Your path is completely different and may not be what you want right now, but have patience and it will all pay off. 

IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Expanding my business into different categories, having a bi-coastal team, and hopefully being able to actually enjoy myself on vacation and take real time off. 

ABOVE ALL ELSE:
Have faith. Not only in yourself, but your team, your clients, your peers, and most importantly, your journey. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Everything takes time, but if you keep going, you’ll find what you are looking for. Don’t give up and always try to stay true to yourself.